The College Planning Process at Solon High School SHS College Counselors: Mrs. Wendy DingmanA-De Mr. Rick NowakDf-Ho Mrs. Ann TrocchioHp-Mc Mrs. Kathleen KinneyMd-See Mrs. Anne JohnsSef-Z SHS College Planning Support Staf SHS College Planning Support Staff: Mrs. Laura GordonSecretary Mrs. Valerie HarrellFinancial Aid Advisor

Planning for college

1. Think

College Entrance Recommendations (Minimum) 4 years of English 4 years of Math (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II) years of Science (including Biology, Chemistry, Physics) years of Social Studies years of Foreign Language 1 year of fine, applied or performing arts

ACT Results at SHS Composite Scores National Average21.0 SHS Class of SHS Top 10% 33.8

SAT Results at SHS Critical Reading & Math National Average1010 SHS Class of Top 10%

1. Think

2. Consider

College Search on Naviance

3. Compare

3. Compare

3. Compare

4. Apply

Student

5. Plan

5. Plan

6. Decide

6. Decide

6. Decide

College is not a prize to be won... to be won... but rather a match to be found. to be found.

Keith Gehres Associate Director Undergraduate Admissions The Ohio State University

Ohio’s Public Universities Advantages of attending Ohio’s public universities: – Wide variety of academic programs – Broad range of student life experiences and opportunities – Diverse type of institutions to choose from Metropolitan, urban, rural, selective, moderately selective, open, large, medium, small

Ohio’s Public Universities Advantages of attending Ohio’s public universities, cont. – Broad range of opportunities to participate in research – Affordable tuition options – Financial assistance (merit and need based) – Ability to transfer credit from community college

Ohio’s Public Universities Advantages of attending Ohio’s Public Universities, cont. – Opportunities for graduate and professional studies – Regional campus options – Major sports programs

Ohio’s Public Universities Admission Completion Requirements: – – Application Form (online or hard-copy) – Application Fee (ranges from $60 to no fee) – High School Transcript – ACT/SAT The ACT Writing Test is recommended by most of the universities; required by University of Cincinnati, Miami University, The Ohio State University and University of Toledo – Some universities will require: Essay Recommendation College Prep Form

Ohio’s Public Universities Recommendations – Consider college characteristics that are important to you and your family – Request information from the university – Schedule a campus visit – Apply for admission by the appropriate deadline – Develop a plan to pay for your education

Private University Education Andrew Cruse Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission Case Western Reserve University

Characteristics of Private Universities Size; typically smaller universities Selectivity Graduation Rates Geographic Diversity Values Liberal Arts Alumni Cost/Value

Finding the right fit Size of University Location: city, rural and/or urban area Academic majors interest Student involvement Athletics Visiting the campus Internships/job placement

Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO) Ohio’s independent institutions include research universities, traditional liberal arts colleges, comprehensive universities, single-purpose institutions, religiously affiliated colleges, and a historically black university. There are nearly 50 private institutions in Ohio.

Why is there a difference in price between public and private institutions? The cost of providing a higher education is generally the same at independent colleges and universities as at public universities. For example, both types of institutions incur costs associated with building and maintaining classrooms, residence halls, computer facilities and libraries; paying faculty salaries; and providing career and counseling services. However, private institutions charge a higher price, or tuition, because they do not receive an educational subsidy from the state.

Apply to colleges that best fit personal needs, regardless of price The ability to pay for a college education is likely to be an important factor in selecting a college or university. However, the price of a particular institution should not prevent a student from applying to the schools of his or her choice. Every student should apply to the colleges that best suit his or her academic, social and personal needs, regardless of the price, because financial aid can make it affordable to attend.

Complete the FAFSA. Ohio’s independent colleges and universities require prospective students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To qualify for some state and federal grant and loan programs, students should complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible of their senior year.

Ohio Private Colleges and Universities Antioch University Midwest Art Academy of Cincinnati Ashland University Baldwin-Wallace College Bluffton University Capital University Case Western Reserve University Cedarville University Columbus College of Art & Design University of Dayton Defiance College Denison University The University of Findlay Franciscan University of Steubenville Franklin University Good Samaritan College of Nursing Heidelberg University Hiram College John Carroll University Kenyon College Kettering College Lake Erie College Lourdes University Malone University Marietta College Mercy College of Ohio Mount Carmel College of Nursing College of Mount St. Joseph University of Mount Union Mount Vernon Nazarene University Muskingum University University of Northwestern Ohio

Ohio Private Colleges and Universities Notre Dame College Oberlin College Ohio Christian University Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine Ohio Dominican University Ohio Northern University Ohio Wesleyan University Otterbein University University of Rio Grande Tiffin University Union Institute & University Urbana University Ursuline College Walsh University Wilberforce University Wilmington College Wittenberg University The College of Wooster Xavier University

Next Steps Continue Your Research – Guidance Office – School/Public Library – Government & Association Websites IPEDS – nces.ed.gov/IPEDS College Navigator – nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator AICUO – Net price calculator Campus Visits – Open Houses, Campus Tours, Personalized Visits

College is not a prize to be won... to be won... but rather a match to be found. to be found.